InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested
For 2011, BMW announced an almost across-the-board replacement of the fan-favorite N54 twin-turbo inline-6 with the single, twin-scroll turbocharged N55 motor. And while the standard-issue 335 joins the ranks of N55 converts, the hi-po 2011 BMW 335is retains the twin-turbo motor, but bumps turbo boost from 8.7 to 11.6 psi. It also has an intercooled and overboost function that lets the twin-turbos spool up 14.5 psi for as long as 7 seconds, raising the torque from 332 pound-feet at 1,500 rpm to 370.
But this power comes at a price: This test unit rings up at $57,450 — nearly $1,000 less than a 2011 BMW M3 coupe, and $2,500 more than an M3 sedan. So, is it worth it?
Odometer: 2,612
Date: 10/26/2010
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $57,450
Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Engine Type: Inline-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,979/181.8
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 320 @ 5,900 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 332 @ 1,500 rpm ( 370 with overboost function)
Brake Type (front): 13.7-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Brake Type (rear): 13.3-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Suspension Type (front): MacPherson strut, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink, coil springs, stabiizer bar
Wheel size 18-by-8 inches front — 18-by-8.5 inches rear
Tire Size (front): 225/40R18 88W
Tire Size (rear): 255/35R18 90W
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Potenza RE050A I
Tire Type: Summer Performance
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,510
Test Results:
0-30 (sec): 2.0
0-45 (sec): 3.5
0-60 (sec): 5.0
0-75 (sec): 7.3
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 13.3 @ 104.6
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.7
30-0 (ft): 27
60-0 (ft): 111
Slalom (mph): 67.2 (66.0 stability control on)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.91g ( 0.85g stability control on )
Db @ Idle: 46.9
Db @ Full Throttle: 92.8
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 72.4
Acceleration: I thought I had the best run in the bag, but tried a more clutch-intensive launch and found nearly 3/10ths from 0-30 that carried on. A couple botched 1-2 shifts revealed that it doesn’t like to be hurried — too bad, they never used to care. I like the raspy new exhaust, but wish the shift lever was taller and the seat was lower and the steering wheel telescoped. Minimal heat sink.
Complete review at InsideLine
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